Happy Tales

8

The India Story was a spectacular reminder of the country’s assorted decor, cultural and culinary treasures we need to preserve The core team (clockwise, from above left): Narayan Chandra Sinha, Madhu Neotia, Swarup Dutta, Abhilasha Sethia, Astad Deboo (who performed on the last day), Nil and Swapan Seth

In October, Kolkata, with its cultural diaspora and pleasant weather, played perfect host to a first time exposition that saw the country’s many contrasts sharing the same platform. A collaborative effort by entrepreneurs Madhu Neotia, Abhilasha Sethia; adman Swapan Seth, scenographer Swarup Dutta and Nil, one half of couture duo Dev R Nil, The India Story (an Ambuja Neotia initiative with My blog DECOR as its magazine partner) saw indigenous brands and established pros in fashion, home decor and food present their signature creations over four days.

Some unforgettable sights included Scarlet Splendour’s fantastical setup, couturier Anamika Khanna’s ethereal installation of over ten feet tall gowns and NGO Calcutta Rescue’s homely embroidered knick-knacks. “India needs to be celebrated more, and shed its “Slumdog Millionaire” image,” Madhu explained, when asked about the message of this fete. “Our country’s talents should be recognised more often, on a large scale like this. We’ve only covered a few verticles this year, but we want to involve more people and categories in 2016.” Sneha Ullal Goel Website: www.theindiastory.in